Film is a subjective art form, so it stands to reason that there will be at least a few films that everyone loves, but there's that one small crowd that says, "Is it really that good?' Several films make me feel that way, but I nailed it down to just 10 I will discuss. I'm not trying to criticize anyone who loves these movies and fool you into thinking I'm right and you're wrong. I get why these films are so loved, they wouldn't be popular if they weren't after all. I'm not even saying I hate any of these films, I do at least like and respect most of them. With that said, here is a list of films that I think are a little overrated.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
One of only 3 films to win the Big 5 at the Oscars, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest has a great ensemble led by Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher. But as I look back at the best films of the 70s, this one doesn't stand out as much for me as other classics from the era like Jaws, The Godfather, etc. It's a good movie with a great cast, but that's about it.
Pulp Fiction
While Reservoir Dogs made Tarantino a director to watch, Pulp Fiction made him a household name. So it might be surprising to some to hear that while I find the film enjoyable, I wouldn't say it's among my favorite Tarintino movies. The narrative structure with the different stories out of order is unique, and I really enjoy certain storylines in the film like Vincent talking Mia out to the 50s-themed restaurant, but others like "The Bonnie Situation" are just ok.
The Dark Knight
Christopher Nolan's second outing in his Batman Trilogy took the world by storm and it seemed that everyone was ready to call it the best superhero film ever made the day it came out. I agree with a lot of the reasons people love this film. The Late Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker is rightfully iconic, but I think Aaron Eckart is almost as good as Harvey Dent AKA Two-Face. That said, I think people overblow this movie's hype out of proportion. I do think it's good, but I don't think it's the greatest superhero movie ever made, I don't even think it's the best Batman movie.
Ratatouille
One of Pixar's most acclaimed outings, Ratatouille is a favorite among a lot of people I know my sister included. But among some of the other great films Pixar was realizing at the time like The Incredibles, Wall-E, and Finding Nemo, I find it lacks that special mix. It's a charming film with some good laughs and a good message, but It never goes beyond that.
Anchorman: The Legend or Ron Burgendy
While this film does get some chuckles out of me, It's not a laugh fest that I have to watch every time I see it on. I think Will Ferrell is at his best when he is playing a lovable idiot like Elf and Step Brothers, but his portrayal of Ron Burgundy is obnoxious and at times annoying. If that works for you that's fine, but it just doesn't do a whole lot for me.
The Breakfast Club
One of my mom's all-time favorites, I hope she doesn't take it personally. The Breakfast Club explores various social issues in youth among its 5 protagonists, It's not exactly subtle in discussing those ideas and I'm not sure it hits the mark as well as people think it does. Also on a personal note, I think the Geek should have ended up with the Basket Case.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Another John Hughes film to rip into. My main problem with this film is the character of Ferris himself. I have never liked Ferris's rebellious attitude and cocky attitude. I think a better example of this archetype is Marty McFly from Back to The Future. He's rebellious like Ferris but he is also less full of himself and has relatable issues minus the time-traveling. Ferris just represents the kid I wanted to punch in High School.
Forest Gump
The Best Picture-winning film of a low-IQ Alabama man wandering through some of the most pivotal moments in American history is a film I have some issues with. I don't get behind the character of Forest as much as others do because there isn't any personal challenge in his story. Yes, he is obsessed with Jenny and lost a friend in Vietnam, but many of his good fortunes come to him pretty easily simply from being in the right place at the right time. There's not much there for you to get behind even if he is likable. It's a nice melodrama with some good laughs, but I don't think it's as deep as other people think.
The Matrix
A film that no one could shut up about in the years during and after it came out. The Matrix has cemented itself in pop culture with references and parodies in so many early 2000s media, and still even today. It's story and themes are still frequently discussed by people today, but I still see at as just a really fun action film. It's got some interesting ideas, but I don't hold it to such a high pedestal that I'd call it one of the most important films ever made.
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